MAJOR schemes that could transform business and housing in a North Yorkshire market town look set for approval.

Ryedale District Council’s planning committee will this week decide on four linked applications that will put a new livestock auction and business centre on the outskirts of Malton, and build 300 new homes.

The applications have been submitted by landowners the Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation, working with Malton and Ryedale Farmers Livestock Market Company. All are recommended for approval.

If approved, the business site will include a new headquarters for the Ginger Pig meat company. The plans also include a new roundabout on the Edenhouse Road and A169 junction.

Officials said the development could create 800 full-time jobs over the next ten years and attract up to £20m in investment while the combination of new business premises and building jobs created while the houses are under construction would strengthen the district's economy.

The largest of the three proposed housing developments - for the former Malton showground on Showfield Lane - would see will comprise 227 homes.

Both the other two housing developments are smaller scale and would see 35 houses built on a site near Westgate, Old Malton; and 50 affordable homes built near Peasey Hills.